The Good Mason 12/10/09

Albert Pike writing of "The Good Mason" said

" "They are kind fathers, generous citizens, unimpeachable in their business, beautiful in their daily lives. You see Masonry in their work and in their play. It appears in all the forms of their activity, individual, domestic, social, ecclesiastical of political. True Masonry within must be morality without. It must become eminent morality, which is philanthropy. The true Mason loves not only his kindred and his country but all mankind; not only the good, but also the evil, among his brethren. He has more goodness than the channels of his daily life will hold. It runs over the banks, to water and to feed a thousant thirsty plants. Not content with the duty that lies along the track, he goes out to seek it; not only willing, he has a salient longing to do good, to spread his truth, his justice, his generosity, his Masonry over all the world. His daily life is a profession of his Masonry, published in perpetual good-will to men.

Masons and Light Bulbs 7/7/09

Larry had this posted on his Blog. He said it was for me so I don't have any problem stealing it and since I don't have anything to say tonight here it is.
Q. How many Masons does it take to change a light bulb?

A. After much research this tricky question can now be answered. It takes 20, as follows:

2 to complain that the light doesn't work.
1 to pass the problem to either another committee, the Temple Board or the Master of the Lodge.
3 to do a study on light in the Lodge.
2 to check out the types of lights the Knights of Columbus use.
3 to argue about it.
5 to plan a fund-raising dinner to raise money for the bulb.
2 to complain that "that_s not the way we did it before."
1 to borrow a ladder, donate the bulb and install it.
1 to order the brass memorial plate and have it inscribed.

So then I went into the archives to find some more in this vein.


Q: How many Masons does it take to change a light
bulb?

A: Four: One to announce in due form the changing of
the light bulb. A second at the will and pleasure to
actually change the light bulb. A third to accurately
record minutes of the bulb changing. And a forth to
talk about how it was light bulbs were changed 40
years ago.

--Far be it for me to argue with a more learned Mason than I, particularly one who is a charter and only member of the Order of Whatever, but I think you missed some. How about the committee of three to investigate whether a light is needed in that particular area and if their report is positive then a committee of three is needed to search for the best price on light bulbs. After the bulb is purchased you need some good Mason to proclaim loudly & at great length that he "could have gotten the bulb cheaper." Adding 7 to your 4, I come up with 11 and I may have missed some.


A: Masons . . . change ???


NY A: Masons . . . change ???
CT A: Can't tell ya, it’s a secret.

Dutch masonic way:
What electric light??? Are they crazy??

Very difficult question to answer, for first you must determine how many Brothers will be asked to join the committee (which of course must be cleared first with the District Inspector and if there are multiple lights in contention, the Grand Lodge will have to be contacted to ascertain
whether or not any infringement of the applicable Masonic Codes are possibly being invaded and if that is potentially unlawful under the jurisdiction procedures then the entire matter must be held over for the next Annual Communication where each viable Lodge may have the opportunity to offer their own unique input on the matter) that would henceforward be titled Lights: A Necessity In The 21st Century? .

Sometimes it's easier to just turn the lights out and practice Parking Lot Masonry.

Speaking of Masons. One of my Lodge Brothers has announced that he is running for Ames City Council - He has a web site here. It was announced in tonight's Ames Paper here.

I was wrong about Bailey. My sister corrected me. He is only 14 and he is back to normal. Thanks for stopping by. Hugs, j

Masonic Compact 8/3/07

Because I am a Freemason…
… I believe that freedom of religion is an inalienable human right andtolerance an indispensable trait of human character; therefore, I will stand in my Lodge with Brothers of all faiths, and respect their beliefs as they respect mine, and I will demonstrate the spirit of Brotherhood in all aspects of my life.
… I know that education and the rational use of the mind are the keys to facing the problems of humanity; therefore, I will bring my questions and my ideas to my Lodge, and strive to advance the growth of my mind alongside my Brothers.
… I know that the rich tradition of Freemasonry and its framework ofRitual are important platforms for growth and learning; therefore, I vow to stand upon these platforms to improve myself as a human being, and I vow to help in the mission of the Craft to provide tools, atmosphere, challenges and motivation to help each Brother do the same.
… I know that charity is the distinguishing human virtue, and thatpersonal community service is the best demonstration of one’s commitment to humanity; I acknowledge that words without deeds are meaningless, and I vow to work with my Lodge to provide service to the community, and to promote charity, friendship, morality, harmony, integrity, fidelity and love.
… I know that my obligation to community extends beyond my local sphere and is partly fulfilled in my patriotism: love of my country, obedience to its laws and celebration of the freedoms and opportunities it symbolizes.
… I know that leadership is best demonstrated by commitment to serving others; I will therefore participate in, and help work at improving individual leadership skills, and serve the Brothers of my Lodge to the best of my ability.
… I know that friendship, fidelity and family are the foundations of a well-lived life;
I therefore vow to be a faithful friend to my Brothers, as I expect my Lodge to respect my personal obligations, and to treat my family as though my family were their own.
… I know that the last great lesson of Freemasonry -- the value of personal integrity and the sanctity of one’s word -- is a lesson for all people in all times; I therefore vow to be a man of my word.
… I know that Masonry’s power is best exercised when its Light is shared with the world at large; I therefore vow to bring the best of myself to my Lodge, in order that my growth might be fostered and nurtured, and to present myself to the world as a working Freemason, on the path to building a more perfect temple.
Because I am a Freemason,
these values and aspirations are guideposts for my progress through life.

The Grand Lodge of New York is responsible for this Compact

A MAN PLUCK OFF HIS SHOE & GIVE IT TO HIS NEIGHBOR (6/25/07)

Past Grand Master, Charlie Brinkerhoff shared this with me. I know I said that Star Children was enough for today but this shouldn't have to wait. Thanks Charlie.

In a small town in mid-19th century America a young man said to his wife, "Mary, you have a shawl you never use. May I have it?"

She was puzzled for a few moments, but got the shawl. He thanked her and left the house. She was also suspicious, because several evenings during the past few months he had left after dinner without any explanation. He was never gone long, and when he returned he seemed to have an inner peace about him. He said nothing, and neither did she.

About a week later, Mary was shopping in the village when she saw her shawl again. She was shocked. It was on the shoulders of a beautiful young lady. Angrily Mary followed the girl to a shabby shack. Mary knocked on the door. The girl opened it and smiled when she saw the visitor. She held the door open and Mary stomped in.

As May looked around she saw an elderly lady propped up on a cot. The lady smiled and said; "How nice of you to visit us."

Mary was stunned. She did not really know what to say. The girl asked if she could fix her a cup of tea. Mary nodded and the girl turned to put a kettle on the stove.

While the water was heating, Mary said "I do not know exactly what to say, so I will tell you the truth. I saw my shawl on your daughter and I was furious. Last week my husband asked me for it, but didn't tell me why. I still don't understand how you have it."

The mother said "We have no idea who left it. We have no idea who has been doing some nice things for us for the past several months. Perhaps now we can solve the mystery. It started soon after my husband died. We had no money and I am unable to work. And Nancy couldn't find a job. We were desperate. We had no food and no fuel. Then one morning when Nancy opened the door she found several packages of food, clothing and coal on the doorstep. You have no idea what that meant to us.

"A short time later, along with more packages, Nancy found a note telling her to see Mr. Tompkins, the lawyer, if she would like a job.
She did and Mr. Tompkins hired her. He sent a doctor to see, who has been coming regularly ever since. and he won't take any money. And we still find packages, but have no idea where they come from."

They drank their tea and chatted pleasantly for some time. The mysterious packages were mentioned from time to time. Suddenly Mary asked: "Was your husband a Mason?"

"Yes, he was," said the lady. "He loved his Lodge. I don't think he ever missed a meeting." A short time later Mary left, promising to visit often.

After dinner that evening, Mary worked on a quilt she was making while her husband read. She looked up from her work and said "I think I learned the great secret of Masonry today."

Her husband looked at her with alarm and asked, " And what is it?"
Mary answered, "To do good and not say anything about it."

The Masons of that small town had plucked off their shoes to help those in need. SHOULD WE DO ANYTHING LESS?

Millions of great men have been and are members of the Craft. Many have become truly Master Masons. But more have not. Actually, only a few Freemasons over the years literally plucked off a shoe and worked for the Fraternity. Imagine what a wonderful difference it should make throughout the world if only those millions who have received the Degrees would fulfill their obligations.

Will you ask yourself - "Have I sincerely plucked off my shoe in testimony of my fidelity to Freemasonry? "

If your answer is "No," will you consider plucking off your shoe? Will
you work for your fellowman through Freemasonry? If you will, you'll
make a difference for the better in today's uncertain world.

EXTRACTED VERBATIM FROM THE WEBSITE OF METROPOLITAN LODGE # 352, Downey , California 90241 , U.S.A.